Spoke Toon soon: Newcastle are not keen to shell out £8m for Bent (Picture: PA)

Darren Bent’s move to Newcastle remains in limbo as the Magpies’ hierarchy decide on their summer transfer policy.

New board member Joe Kinnear and manager Alan Pardew are still mulling over whether or not to add the unwanted Aston Villa striker to their attacking options.

Villa are holding out for £8million for the former Sunderland forward, who is believed to be eager to move to Tyneside despite playing for the Magpies’ biggest rivals, but that sum is reckoned to be too steep for Newcastle.

Hull may be dark horses to move in for Bent after Burnley striker Charlie Austin failed a medical and with Celtic striker Gary Hooper apparently heading to QPR.

Newcastle are also set to clear the decks with Dan Gosling ready to join Crystal Palace, Mike Williamson heading to Cardiff and Shola Ameobi looking to join either Middlesbrough or Sheffield Wednesday after being told his 13-year spell at St James’ Park is coming to an end.

Villa are also seeking to shed some wages with Shay Given, Stephen Ireland and Alan Hutton all heading for the exit.